Emma Wilson
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. However, it is important to be mindful of local regulations and only forage in permitted areas. While foraging is not allowed in Milwaukee County Parks, it is allowed on state-owned properties and in some nearby counties. Foragers should also be cautious of restoration work and historical pollutants in certain areas. Before consuming any wild mushrooms, it is crucial to correctly identify them to avoid ingesting toxic varieties. Morel mushrooms, for example, have a poisonous lookalike called the false morel. Popular spots for mushroom foraging near Milwaukee include Minooka, the Northern Kettle Moraine, and the Apostle Islands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mushroom Types | Morels, Pheasant Backs, Puffballs, Lactarius, Boletus, Agaricus, Chanterelles, Aspen Oyster Mushrooms |
| Mushroom Locations | Within a 30-minute drive of Milwaukee County, Waukesha County Parks, Minooka, Northern Kettle Moraine, Grant Park, Harrington State Park, Dead Elm Trees, Dead Ash Trees, Apple Trees, Sandy Soils Near Streams, Aspen Trees, Hardwood Forests |
| Foraging Rules | Allowed on Federal Lands, State Lands, and Waukesha County Parks; Not Allowed in Milwaukee County Parks; Check with Property Manager of Federal Lands and DNR Website for Specifics |
| Safety Tips | Never Eat Raw Wild Mushrooms, Always Clean and Cook Them, Wear Long Pants and Bug Repellent to Protect from Mosquitoes and Ticks |
| Identification Tips | Confirm Identification Before Eating, Be Familiar with Edible Plants and Their Dangerous Lookalikes, e.g. False Morels |
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What You'll Learn
Foraging rules and safety
Before you start foraging, it's important to be aware of the rules and guidelines in place to ensure you're doing so legally and safely. Here are some key points to keep in mind when foraging for mushrooms in Milwaukee:
Foraging Rules:
- Federal lands: Foraging is generally allowed on federal lands, but the rules can vary from place to place. Always check with the property manager of federal lands before foraging.
- State lands: Foraging is allowed on state properties in Wisconsin, including state parks, forests, natural areas, and recreation areas. However, some sensitive state natural areas may not allow foraging, so it's important to check the specific rules for each location.
- County lands: Counties can set their own rules for foraging. In Milwaukee, foraging is not allowed in county parks, but it is permitted in Dane County Parks, which provides recommendations for park locations with in-demand foods.
- Municipal properties: Municipal governments can also set their own foraging rules. Contact your local parks department or municipal clerk to find out the restrictions in your area.
Foraging Safety:
- Only forage for mushrooms that you can identify with 100% confidence as being safe and edible. There are many species of mushrooms, and some look-alikes can be dangerous or even deadly.
- Avoid foraging in areas where herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers may have been used, such as lawns or along busy roads. Also, avoid areas with potential historical pollutants, like river corridors.
- Do not consume mushrooms growing on ornamental trees, as they may contain toxins from the wood.
- Only eat fresh mushrooms, and always cook them thoroughly. Cooking improves digestibility and flavour and can eliminate some harmful substances. However, it's important to know that cooking does not make poisonous mushrooms edible.
- When trying a new mushroom species, start with a small amount (no more than two cooked teaspoons) and wait 24 hours before consuming more or trying another new species.
- If you suspect you have consumed a poisonous mushroom, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek immediate medical attention.
Remember, it is your responsibility to identify the mushrooms you collect and to follow the foraging rules and safety guidelines. Happy foraging!
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Morel mushrooms
In Milwaukee, foraging for mushrooms is generally allowed on federal, state, and county lands, although specific rules and restrictions may vary. For example, foraging is not permitted in Milwaukee County Parks but is allowed in Dane County Parks, where morel hunters are advised to check around dead elm and apple trees after warm rain and temperatures reach the 70s. Federal lands, such as the St. Croix Wetland Management District and the Apostle Islands, also allow foraging for personal use, but restrictions may apply to specific items like rocks and wildflowers.
Some specific locations in Milwaukee where foragers have reported finding morel mushrooms include the deeper parts of Grant Park, Harrington State Park, and Boerner Bot Gardens. Scouting along the sandier banks of the Milwaukee River can also be a good strategy, as morels are known to favour poor, humus-rich soil. Additionally, the Muscoda Morel Mushroom Festival, held annually in Wisconsin, offers an opportunity to purchase and enjoy morels prepared in various ways.
When foraging for morel mushrooms, it is important to be mindful of restoration work and potential pollutants in natural areas. Checking with property managers or referring to official websites, such as the DNR website, is always recommended before foraging in any particular location. Additionally, while morels are one of the "Foolproof Four" edible mushrooms identified by mycologist Clyde Christensen, proper identification and preparation are essential to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Pheasant back mushrooms
When foraging for pheasant back mushrooms, look for creek bottoms with well-drained soil, gentle hills, and a mix of standing and dead-fall hardwoods. They grow in areas with about equal parts sun and shade. The ideal time to find them is from mid-April to early May, when the temperatures are ideal for mushroom growth. As the season progresses, you can find them in areas with more northerly exposure, where temperatures are cooler.
When selecting pheasant back mushrooms, look for younger, smaller mushrooms, about 3-4 inches across at the broadest part of the cap. Older, larger mushrooms tend to be too tough to eat. You can identify pheasant back mushrooms by their smell, which is often described as similar to sliced cucumber or watermelon rind. They have no toxic lookalikes, making them very safe to forage for beginners.
To prepare pheasant back mushrooms, start by cutting off the woody stem. Slice the mushrooms thinly, preferably using a mandoline slicer. You can cook them in a pan with butter, salt, and a splash of wine or stock. They can also be eaten raw, but it is recommended to consume them in small amounts. Pheasant back mushrooms can also be dried or pickled, and they make a great addition to soups and sauces.
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Chanterelles
When foraging for chanterelles in Milwaukee, it is important to note that foraging rules differ from place to place. For example, foraging is not allowed in Milwaukee County Parks, but it is allowed in Dane County Parks. Federal lands, such as the St. Croix Wetland Management District and the Apostle Islands, also allow foraging for personal use, but there may be specific restrictions on what can be foraged. It is always best to check with the property manager of federal lands or the DNR website before foraging in a new area.
One forager reported finding chanterelles in a large flat hilltop area of around 40 acres of oaks. They noted that the chanterelles were located in sparsely covered areas with large areas of 6-12 inch thin grasses. Another forager reported finding chicken, yellow, and cinnabar chants, as well as black trumpets, in an area with a mix of red and white oak trees.
In addition to the thrill of the hunt, foragers in Milwaukee can also enjoy the fruits of their labour at special events like the Mid-Summer Mushroom Dinner at Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro. This event features a five-course meal showcasing chanterelle mushrooms, expertly prepared by Chef de Cuisine John Raymond and paired with exquisite French wines.
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Where to forage near Milwaukee
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity near Milwaukee, with several locations to choose from. Here are some spots to consider:
Havenwoods
Located on the north side of Milwaukee, Havenwoods is a state park that allows foraging. This could be a good place to start your mushroom foraging journey. Keep in mind that some state natural areas within state parks may not allow foraging due to ecological sensitivities, so it's always good to check with the park's property manager or the DNR website before heading out.
Waukesha County Parks
All Waukesha County Parks, within a 30-minute drive of Milwaukee County, permit foraging for personal use. At Minooka Park, you can find wild grapes, berries, mushrooms, ramps, and even morel mushrooms in spring. The Northern Kettle Moraine is another great option, where you can forage for oyster mushrooms, ramps, garlic mustard, and wild violets.
Federal Lands
Foraging is typically allowed on federal lands, but the rules can vary from place to place. For example, the St. Croix Wetland Management District permits foraging of mushrooms and berries for personal use. On the Apostle Islands, you can forage fruits, berries, and nuts, but collecting natural objects like rocks and wildflowers is prohibited. Be sure to check the specific rules and regulations for each federal land area before foraging.
Brookfield Area
The Brookfield area, located near Milwaukee, is known for its abundance of pheasant back mushrooms. These mushrooms might not be the most delicious, but they are still worth considering if you're looking to diversify your forage. Keep in mind that you should pick them when they are young, fully springy, and white throughout.
Grant Park and Harrington State Park
According to a forager, morel mushrooms can be found in the deeper parts of these parks. Morels are a sought-after variety that typically grows in the spring around dead ash, elm, poplar, or apple trees. They are often found on well-drained or sandy soils where the woods meet a stream and tend to favour warm, sunny, southern-facing slopes.
When foraging for mushrooms near Milwaukee or anywhere else, it's important to follow some key safety guidelines. Always properly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as there are toxic lookalikes that can induce serious side effects. Additionally, wear long pants and use bug repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Happy foraging!
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom foraging is allowed on federal and state lands and in Waukesha County Parks. Specifically, you can try Havenwoods on Milwaukee's north side, Minooka, and the Northern Kettle Moraine.
You can find morel, pheasant back, puffball, Lactarius, Boletus, Agaricus, oyster, and chanterelle mushrooms.
Morel mushrooms can be found in the spring, specifically on warm, sunny, southern-facing slopes. You can also find aspen oyster mushrooms in late May. Chanterelles grow in Wisconsin in the summer and early fall.
Be sure to correctly identify mushrooms before consuming them, as some mushrooms have dangerous lookalikes. It is recommended that you never eat raw wild mushrooms and that you always clean and cook them well before consumption.
Dead elm trees are a good indicator of where to find pheasant back mushrooms. Well-drained or sandy soils where the woods meet a stream are a good place to look for morel mushrooms.
